After my previous blog post, I was feeling a bit discouraged. Then, by chance, a piece written by David duChemin, an amazing photographer based in Victoria, BC, Canada, showed up in my inbox. I subscribe to his newsletter and this particular piece couldn't have been more timely.

Here are a few quotes:

" We do not give our gift - whatever it is - into the world - to validate us, to tell the world how good, how bright, talented, or relevant, we are. We give it as a gift. And, as is so often the case with a gift, we do not know how the recipient will receive it. "

"There is no surer way to stagnate as an artist than to do it for the reward, or to hold back from putting it out there for fear of never getting one."

"'But who am I to put my art into the world?' I have no idea. Yet. And neither do you. It's only in the making of that art, whatever it is, and putting it out there, that you and I will find out."

I will be re-reading this on a regular basis. Such wise, wise words. Thank you, David!

(If this resonates with you in any way, then I highly recommend reading the original article on David's blog. Oh, and while visiting his site, check out his resources for photographers. He has some very helpful e-books.)